Who will take JP Duminy's place?

JP Duminy knows the impact a moment can have on a career. The instant Ashwell Prince's hand was fractured in Perth in 2008, Duminy was given a chance to perform on the international stage. In a nasty twist, the second he snapped his Achilles' tendon in Brisbane someone else will get that opportunity this time.

Faf du Plessis is going to be the biggest benefactor of that. This is his second tour as a back-up batsman in the Test squad - a spot he earned through his improvements in the first-class game - and will likely slot in Duminy's place. Until Matthew Maynard took charge of the Titans, du Plessis was batting in the lower middle-order, did not spent much time at the crease as a result and his string of low scores came through batting with the tail.

Maynard suggested that du Plessis move up to No. 4 and the change gave him everything he did not have before: more time and more runs. In four first-class matches he scored 599 runs which included three hundreds. Du Plessis captained South Africa A against Sri Lanka A in June and scored a hundred in the first unofficial Test. He was due to lead them again in Ireland but was called up to the Test squad in England after Albie Morkel suffered an ankle injury.

Batting at No. 7 will put du Plessis back in the position where he floundered at the Titans but in a Test side, he won't complain. Du Plessis will also offer the option of his more than part-time legspin and has been rated one of the best fielders in the world. As a replacement, he is more than ideal, which can only serve to worry Duminy more.

The rest of the chasing pack inspires a little less confidence. One of Dean Elgar, Justin Ontong, Prince or Colin Ingram will be called up as a shadow member of the squad. ESPNcricinfo understand that Elgar is in prime position to get the nod, although his first-class form of late has not been as notable as the other candidates.

His overall average is an impressive 44.75 but he has only played one match this season in which he scored 44 and 2. He was part of South Africa's ODI squad in England and top scored with 42 and played with du Plessis against Sri Lanka A where he outscored him with 171. He was also part of South Africa's one-day squad who faced Sri Lanka in January but tore ligaments in his knee and experienced a lengthy injury layoff.

Elgar's call-up will be seen as a long time coming, given that he has long hovered around the national set-up and is considered to be the future. But going back to the past has not always hurt South Africa. Vernon Philander, Rory Kleinveldt and Hashim Amla are cases in point and could serve as the example to recall an old hand.

All three of Ontong, Prince and Ingram have been in good form and are difficult to look past. For Ontong, being re-selected could be a coming full circle after his last tour of Australia - the traumatic 2001-02 series where he was picked over Jacques Rudolph. Of the middle-order batsmen last season, Ontong was the top scorer. In nine matches, he scored 658 runs at an average of 59.81, with two hundreds and four fifties. He is currently captaining the Cobras and has been involved in the limited-overs squads.

For Prince, anther nod would also be a completion of something. He lost his place after the 2008 injury to Duminy and although he would never wish to get it back in the same fashion, it may be fate's way of repaying him. Since Prince was dropped after the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka in Durban last December, he has done well for Lancashire and started this season with 213 runs in three matches for the Warriors. He remains a nationally contracted player and Andrew Hudson, convenor of selectors, said at the time of Prince's exit that he would remain in their thoughts.

Prince's experience would not go unnoticed either, especially as it is a trait Gary Kirsten has placed great value in. But it could also be a quality which works against him. South African management may not fancy calling Prince up only to put him on the bench, which is the domain of rookies.

For that reason, Ingram could come into contention having played in the limited-overs sides but never being part of the Test squad. Ingram fell out of favour after the ODI series against Sri Lanka in January but has been churning out the runs at franchise level. His 270 runs in three matches this season have come at an average of 54.00.

With South African cricket making a noticeable effort to reward performances at domestic level, any of these players would be deserving of their place, just as Duminy was four years ago.

Most likely Faf . He seems to always have unlimited opportunities , while other newcomers get dropped after one or two bad performances.Looking for this to continue on this tour.

Shongololo
on November 11, 2012, 5:20 GMT

You are kidding about Prince, aren't you, Firdose?
If you want experience and form, the only obvious choice is Neil McKenzie. But I don't belive either should be selected - Ontong in same boat - as we need to blood new talent. Quinton de Kock, for the experience of being in the squad while Faf fills in for J-P would be my call.

on November 11, 2012, 0:34 GMT

From South Africa's point of view this is a shame even I was looking forward to watching him bat, not a bad bowler either

Cpt.Meanster
on November 10, 2012, 19:34 GMT

FAF u beauty !!! Can't see anyone better than Du Plessis to take up that middle order role. Plus, he can also bowl some leg spin which could be handy against the Aussies who are weak against spin bowling in general. Anyway, good luck to Du Plessis and best wishes to JP for a speedy recovery.

Basistha
on November 10, 2012, 17:14 GMT

I dont understand why anyone would be excited about du Plessis. I don't think he's made the most out of the chances he's got in the ODI level: an average of 28 odd after 24 knocks (4 fifties against fairly lacklustre bowling). Maybe I'm just sour that he got AB, who was batting like a king, run-out in that quarterfinal game against NZ in WC'11. I understand he might be phenomenal in the domestic circuit, but once a player misses out on the chance to prove himself on the international level, the team should look at other options. I have to agree he's a brilliant fielder, but you gotta have more than that to seal your spot in the SA middle order.

on November 10, 2012, 16:42 GMT

Get in Quintin deKock - that kid is super impressive.

MosesAna
on November 10, 2012, 16:40 GMT

Faf is the man for the job, he is an excellent batsman who not only can bat for long periods but knows how to bat with the tail, he can bowl a bit of leg spin and he's the best fielder in the country. SA have an embarrassment of riches at the moment with Faf, JP, Rudolph and many others effectively fighting for 1 spot. Only the ability of AB is allowing for a second slot, and i don't think AB should be taking the gloves. Tsolekile is an excellent gloveman and his batting is much improved, aside from him there's the very young de Kock who has been immense for the Lions in the longer game.

mahjut
on November 10, 2012, 15:34 GMT

@RyanHarrisGreatCricketer - JP worked hard on his batting issues (which were more confidence than anything else) and has looked very good in the past 8-12 months. This is a BIG loss, in what was really beginning to look a very balanced side. The first thing to do is get tahir back in the side ... this 'JP' problem is less desperate as there are replacements. I think Tsolokile is a return to the Bouch era! I don't think anyone is joking about Prince - he was a soldier for the proteas and has never really earned a dropping - but with 4 years between him and Rudolph, i think Rudolph should now be persited with a bit for now. So, it still points to Faf for me but if Elgar has improved his bowling (considerably) then OK

on November 10, 2012, 15:11 GMT

We miss you duminy, come back quickly cricket fans waiting for you

on November 10, 2012, 14:15 GMT

collin ingram ???
where is he now a days !!

djdrastic
on November 11, 2012, 5:43 GMT

Most likely Faf . He seems to always have unlimited opportunities , while other newcomers get dropped after one or two bad performances.Looking for this to continue on this tour.

Shongololo
on November 11, 2012, 5:20 GMT

You are kidding about Prince, aren't you, Firdose?
If you want experience and form, the only obvious choice is Neil McKenzie. But I don't belive either should be selected - Ontong in same boat - as we need to blood new talent. Quinton de Kock, for the experience of being in the squad while Faf fills in for J-P would be my call.

on November 11, 2012, 0:34 GMT

From South Africa's point of view this is a shame even I was looking forward to watching him bat, not a bad bowler either

Cpt.Meanster
on November 10, 2012, 19:34 GMT

FAF u beauty !!! Can't see anyone better than Du Plessis to take up that middle order role. Plus, he can also bowl some leg spin which could be handy against the Aussies who are weak against spin bowling in general. Anyway, good luck to Du Plessis and best wishes to JP for a speedy recovery.

Basistha
on November 10, 2012, 17:14 GMT

I dont understand why anyone would be excited about du Plessis. I don't think he's made the most out of the chances he's got in the ODI level: an average of 28 odd after 24 knocks (4 fifties against fairly lacklustre bowling). Maybe I'm just sour that he got AB, who was batting like a king, run-out in that quarterfinal game against NZ in WC'11. I understand he might be phenomenal in the domestic circuit, but once a player misses out on the chance to prove himself on the international level, the team should look at other options. I have to agree he's a brilliant fielder, but you gotta have more than that to seal your spot in the SA middle order.

on November 10, 2012, 16:42 GMT

Get in Quintin deKock - that kid is super impressive.

MosesAna
on November 10, 2012, 16:40 GMT

Faf is the man for the job, he is an excellent batsman who not only can bat for long periods but knows how to bat with the tail, he can bowl a bit of leg spin and he's the best fielder in the country. SA have an embarrassment of riches at the moment with Faf, JP, Rudolph and many others effectively fighting for 1 spot. Only the ability of AB is allowing for a second slot, and i don't think AB should be taking the gloves. Tsolekile is an excellent gloveman and his batting is much improved, aside from him there's the very young de Kock who has been immense for the Lions in the longer game.

mahjut
on November 10, 2012, 15:34 GMT

@RyanHarrisGreatCricketer - JP worked hard on his batting issues (which were more confidence than anything else) and has looked very good in the past 8-12 months. This is a BIG loss, in what was really beginning to look a very balanced side. The first thing to do is get tahir back in the side ... this 'JP' problem is less desperate as there are replacements. I think Tsolokile is a return to the Bouch era! I don't think anyone is joking about Prince - he was a soldier for the proteas and has never really earned a dropping - but with 4 years between him and Rudolph, i think Rudolph should now be persited with a bit for now. So, it still points to Faf for me but if Elgar has improved his bowling (considerably) then OK

on November 10, 2012, 15:11 GMT

We miss you duminy, come back quickly cricket fans waiting for you

on November 10, 2012, 14:15 GMT

collin ingram ???
where is he now a days !!

on November 10, 2012, 13:55 GMT

terrible 4 Duminy but Edgar would be the right replacement as he is technically quite fine & got temperament as well to perform that job.best of luck porteas

RyanHarrisGreatCricketer
on November 10, 2012, 13:43 GMT

finally du plessis will get a well deserved chance instead of a batsman who cannot play the short ball and pokes against spin

Dale_Pain
on November 10, 2012, 12:45 GMT

@Hilas - I don't think Tsolekile bats well enough to bat at 7 - perhaps at 8, but Philander isn't good enough for 7 then...

Dale_Pain
on November 10, 2012, 12:44 GMT

Whoever is called up needs to add more than just runs. A spinner is important to replace Duminy. Elgar or du Plessis should therefore get the nod. Rossouw is still young and a top order batsman. His time will come alongside players like Obus Pienaar, Stiaan van Zyl etc..

MSCologne
on November 10, 2012, 12:27 GMT

Bring Prince back for solidity, but I think du Plessis will play. If Rudolph fails in two tests, bring Prince in at number 6.

jkaussie
on November 10, 2012, 12:21 GMT

I just feel sorry for Duminy...what a rotten way to get injured!

Gordo85
on November 10, 2012, 12:15 GMT

To me I would love to see Tsolekile come in to replace Duminy.
I mean if the team stays the same for the next Test match the batting is still pretty strong even with Tsolekile in the team.
Heck you could even have Philander at 7 and Tsolekile in at 8 and Kleinveldt at 9.
The only problem could be who would you drop to play Imran for the next Test?
I guess it comes down to who ever bowls the worst in the current Test match.
Colin Ingram to me would be a good choice because he also does bowl some spin.
But I seriously think it will be Faf to replace Duminy.
I don't think Ontong is doing enough currently at the moment with the bat, however when I think of players who bat and who can bowl spin I often do think of Duminy and Ontong.
I don't think Ontong would be a bad number seven because he is a grafter and he would hang around.
Prince could do it as well but I don't think he is doing enough at the moment.
I do think it will come down to Ontong, Tsolekile, Prince and Ingram.

Hilas
on November 10, 2012, 11:55 GMT

Prince and ontong u must b joking, what happend to rossouw he was the next big thing nw he dnt even play in da sunfoil series...!

mahjut
on November 10, 2012, 11:49 GMT

I'm not a huge fan of Rudolph (but unproven? - he made a century in Oz when McGrath, gillespie and Warne were bowling) and am a fan of Prince but i think his time is now past and Faf is the obvious choice - he's 'sort of' like for like in that he's a good bat who spins a bit - he's also been on the international stage now through the IPL etc so will not be caught in the headlights in that dept. The loss of Duminy does not leave a 'highly unsettled' middle order but it does leave a dilema...I'd be slightly surprised if they didn't select faf

SA is left with a supremely unsettled middle order. Rudolph hasn't proven himself yet, De Villiers is burdened by wicketkeeping duties, and Faf is new to the team. We HAVE to opt to bring Prince's experience into the squad. This is no time for more rookies.

on November 10, 2012, 9:30 GMT

I think Neil Mckenzie is agood choice to replace J.P Duminy as he is in good form and have plenty of experience..............!!!

on November 10, 2012, 8:41 GMT

De Kock would gain from the experience, but so would Morris. Both wicketkeeper and an all rounder need to be groomed for the future. Fad will make an excellent replacement JP in the team.

Gareth_Bain
on November 10, 2012, 8:26 GMT

In the team? Faf. In the squad it'll be interesting though Elgar was there before and hasn't done anything wrong since...

FWIW here are the best Supersport/Sunfoil career averages (min 10 innings). Averages aren't everything, but they mean a lot less when second team performances are included, which is the case for South Africa. I'd say if any of Bavuma, Rossouw, Van Zyl, Obus Pienaar or the above bar Ingram (what!?) are selected no-one can quibble..

Out of these 4, I think Prince would be the better option. I don't see Ingram batting @ no. 7. Ontong never seems to flourish on the big stage. Elgar didn't seem to be very confident against the english pace attack. But maybe a young player such as the likes of De kock may prosper.

Hilas
on November 10, 2012, 8:20 GMT

Sa had no intention of playing tsolekile he just in da squad so tht de kock can keep wicket 4 da highveld lions.......smart move by sa;)

axe_hay
on November 10, 2012, 8:17 GMT

Ontong and Prince are too old to make comebacks ! Its time the selectors look out for the next generation of Middle order batsmen. Rillee Russouw, Reeza Hendricks, Dean Elgar, Obus Pienaar should be given a chance now. Or else they can have an allrounder at No. 7 like David Wiese. He is the next Lance Klusener.

ssenthil
on November 10, 2012, 8:17 GMT

How about calling back Albie Morkel who can provide a fast bowling option as well as batting, after all he has 50 batting Avg in his lone match he played against Aus!!!

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 10, 2012, 8:15 GMT

It has to be Faff. Not impressed by anyone else.

Alexk400
on November 10, 2012, 8:04 GMT

pick younger players SA. Dean Elgar is best choice because he is young.

KunzMan
on November 10, 2012, 8:01 GMT

Faf should be in the starting XI for the next test and Tahir should replace Kleinveldt. Only because its Adelaide. Elgar is a good replacement though if that happens. The way he played in the ODI series against England, he looks to be a decent bat and also a variation as a left arm orthodox spinner (attempt).

on November 10, 2012, 7:53 GMT

I would like to see Quinton de Kock in the team. A young emerging player with whom you can go long as a wicketkeeper and ease pressure of AB.

Meety
on November 10, 2012, 7:46 GMT

In the actual starting XI - maybe just maybe it will be a wicket keeper - Tsolekile?????

No featured comments at the moment.

Meety
on November 10, 2012, 7:46 GMT

In the actual starting XI - maybe just maybe it will be a wicket keeper - Tsolekile?????

on November 10, 2012, 7:53 GMT

I would like to see Quinton de Kock in the team. A young emerging player with whom you can go long as a wicketkeeper and ease pressure of AB.

KunzMan
on November 10, 2012, 8:01 GMT

Faf should be in the starting XI for the next test and Tahir should replace Kleinveldt. Only because its Adelaide. Elgar is a good replacement though if that happens. The way he played in the ODI series against England, he looks to be a decent bat and also a variation as a left arm orthodox spinner (attempt).

Alexk400
on November 10, 2012, 8:04 GMT

pick younger players SA. Dean Elgar is best choice because he is young.

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 10, 2012, 8:15 GMT

It has to be Faff. Not impressed by anyone else.

ssenthil
on November 10, 2012, 8:17 GMT

How about calling back Albie Morkel who can provide a fast bowling option as well as batting, after all he has 50 batting Avg in his lone match he played against Aus!!!

axe_hay
on November 10, 2012, 8:17 GMT

Ontong and Prince are too old to make comebacks ! Its time the selectors look out for the next generation of Middle order batsmen. Rillee Russouw, Reeza Hendricks, Dean Elgar, Obus Pienaar should be given a chance now. Or else they can have an allrounder at No. 7 like David Wiese. He is the next Lance Klusener.

Hilas
on November 10, 2012, 8:20 GMT

Sa had no intention of playing tsolekile he just in da squad so tht de kock can keep wicket 4 da highveld lions.......smart move by sa;)

Fareen
on November 10, 2012, 8:24 GMT

Out of these 4, I think Prince would be the better option. I don't see Ingram batting @ no. 7. Ontong never seems to flourish on the big stage. Elgar didn't seem to be very confident against the english pace attack. But maybe a young player such as the likes of De kock may prosper.